IMPACT of City-County Consolidation of the Rural-Urban Fringe: Nashville-Davidson County, Tennessee.

Economic Research Service (USDA), Washington, DC.

This report analyzed the effect of consolidation of city and county governments in Nashville, Tenn., on local public finance and the availability of public services in the rural areas of the county. Comparisons were made between governmental costs and functions before and 3 years after the metropolitan district was formed. Some 299 voters in the rural-urban fringe of the metropolitan area were interviewed to determine their attitudes toward tax changes, services, and political access of the metropolitan government (Metro) compared with the previous city and county governments. In general, the Metro district produced improved services and higher taxes in rural areas, but a majority of the people were satisfied with the change. Two figures, 16 tables, and an appendix on factors affecting respondents' opinions of Metro are included. (Author/MJB)